characterized by a lack of contact with other cultures or people
example
The insular community had little interaction with the outside world, resulting in a culture that was rich yet narrow in perspective.
synonyms
isolatedprovincialnarrow-minded
word origin — from Latin 'insularis', meaning 'of or pertaining to an island', from 'insula', meaning 'island'
insular, meritorious, obstinate, forthright, labyrinthine: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 89. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
insular · adjective/ˈɪn.sələr/
characterized by a lack of contact with other cultures or people
The insular community had little interaction with the outside world, resulting in a culture that was rich yet narrow in perspective.
Synonyms: isolated, provincial, narrow-minded
Origin: from Latin 'insularis', meaning 'of or pertaining to an island', from 'insula', meaning 'island'
meritorious · adjective/ˌmɛrɪˈtɔriəs/
deserving reward or praise
Her meritorious service to the community earned her a prestigious award at the annual gala.
Synonyms: commendable, praiseworthy, deserving
Origin: from Latin 'meritorius', meaning 'deserving, earning' (from 'meritum', meaning 'merit, reward')
obstinate · adjective/ˈɑbstɪnɪt/
stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action despite attempts to persuade one to do so
Despite numerous discussions about the new policy, she remained obstinate in her decision to stick to the old ways.
Synonyms: stubborn, obstreperous, willful
Origin: originates from the Latin 'obstinatus', meaning 'resolute' or 'persistent', which derives from 'obstinare', meaning 'to stand firm'.
forthright · adjective/ˈfɔrθraɪt/
direct and outspoken in a straightforward manner
Her forthright approach to discussing the issues made it easy for everyone to understand her perspective.
Synonyms: frank, candid, straightforward
Origin: Middle English; from 'forthright' meaning 'straight forward' or 'direct' with roots in Old English.
labyrinthine · adjective/ˌlæb.əˈrɪnˌθin/
intricate and confusing in design or structure
The city’s labyrinthine streets made it easy for tourists to lose their way among the twisting alleys.
Synonyms: complex, convoluted, intricate
Origin: The word 'labyrinthine' originates from the word 'labyrinth,' which comes from the Greek 'labyrinthos,' meaning 'a place with intricate pathways.'